David Huddleston, Who Played 'The Big Lebowski,' Dead At 85

He starred in “The Big Lebowski," and also had roles in “Blazing Saddles” and “The Producers.”

05/08/2016 6:24 AM IST
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Updated
05/08/2016 6:27 AM IST

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David Huddleston, a noted character actor who was most famously known for the titular role in “The Big Lebowski” died Tuesday at 85. His wife, Sarah Koeppe, told the Los Angeles Times that he died of kidney and lung disease in Santa Fe, N.M.

Huddleston’s character in the 1998 “The Big Lebowski” epitomized the types of characters he was known for ― big dons or capos and tempestuous men. Although he is in only a few scenes in the film, he crosses paths with Jeff Bridges’ Lebowski character, aka “The Dude,” after a group of gang members attack “The Dude” mistaking him for Huddleston’s millionaire Lebowski. Though the film was not a hit when it first premiered, it has since become a huge cult sensation with a devoted fan base.

Before he was cast as the Big Lebowski, he guest starred on several TV shows, including “Walker Texas Ranger,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Gilmore Girls” and “The West Wing” and had a recurring role as the grandfather on “The Wonder Years.” His film credits include the title role in 1985’s “Santa Claus: The Movie,” “Capricorn One,” “Blazing Saddles” and “The Producers.”

His wife told the L.A. Times that he considered his “crowning achievement” to be the role of Benajmin Franklin in the 1997 Broadway production of “1776.”

Born in Vinton, Va., he served in the Air Force and then studied acting in New York on the G.I. Bill.